Published by Devon County UNISION, Matford Lane Offices, County Hall, Exeter

The views expressed may not reflect the views of the Devon County UNISON Branch

• UNISON takes action over pensions

• Council goes back on offer

• Exeter Social Services budget in serious trouble

• Council attempt to get rid of union

• It is never too late!

• Women's Lives

UNISON takes action over pensions

Remember it is your pay and livelihood under attack to pay for others mistakes.

UNISON will go to court on the government's decision to end the 'rule of 85' which allows some members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to retire at 60 with a full pension, if their age and years of service add up to 85.

All we have asked for is the same treatment as other public-sector workers who have their existing pension rights protected. It is a matter of fairness and equality. Write to your MP and councillors expressing your anger on this approach to treat us as second class workers.

Council goes back on offer

Since the last UNITY, the Council has withdrawn its agreement to pay Domestic Care Workers full pay for the time they are travelling between clients. UNISON with your support will take this case forward.

Ask your steward for details.

Exeter Social Services budget in serious trouble

The spotlight has fallen on Older Persons Day Care provision as an area for potential savings by management, suggesting that 2 centres will merge.

UNISON which has been setting the pace in these negotiations, being the only union fully engaged in negotiations.

What UNISON has done

• In reply to questions put by UNISON to management they have been made to do their homework; they have now identified that all staff currently employed will be needed in the new arrangements - Nobody will lose their job!
  
  
• The only issue will be which Day Centre of the two being looked at will be retained. That decision is still to be taken, but as the sites are only a mile apart it is not a major issue for members as now there will be no job losses and of course UNISON will be fully involved in that discussion.
  
  
• UNISON has been able to place management under pressure in negotiation to identify that anyone displaced would be retained in employment, supernumery and not at risk of redundancy. This was notified to UNISON on 1 December.
  
  
• UNISON has attended every management meeting with all staff, not just members, offering advice and support.
  
  
• UNISON has given advice and support ensuring that member's views have been fed back not only to management, but also to elected county and city councillors.
  
  
• UNISON has ensured an open and transparent consultation process has been set up by management ensuring that all stakeholders - staff, clients, carers, councillors - are informed and their views are heard.
  
  
• UNISON has negotiated an extension to the minimum consultation period to facilitate the consultation.
  
  
• UNISON has negotiated to ensure a fair HR process is in place; ensuring equal and fair opportunities are available to everyone involved in the process.
  
  
• This was indeed a cost cutting exercise; management stated this from the outset. With Day Care running at 43% take up across the city rationalisation was inevitable, the proposals could have been much worse and have not been opposed by members in principle. With UNISON's help the process will be relatively painless.

UNISON is out there fighting for its members every day, where it counts, not just in the papers. Encourage your colleagues to join for support in these unsettled times!

Stop Press

Management have now contacted your UNISON Negotiators and advised that following consultation with Directorate Senior Management it has been decided that the result of the process will be announced week commencing 16 Jan 06, when local managers involved return from their leave. UNISON will be available to support members at this point.

Council attempt to get rid of union

The Devon County Branch of UNISON is totally committed to partnership working when dealing with all matters relating to industrial relations within this Authority.

The Devon County Branch of UNISON is therefore extremely concerned that it appears as though at least one Directorate of Devon County Council is proposing to institute a Staff / Works Council to, as they see it, enhance negotiations and consultations with its employees. This will be by meeting with undemocratic, unelectable and unaccountable 'representatives' either in place of, or in addition to, the existing partnership working with the Trades Unions recognised by this Authority and totally undermines the existing agreed procedures.

If the Authority fails to take this action then the Branch will have no option but to take steps to register a dispute against Devon County Council and to consider withdrawing from all joint bodies and negotiating bodies within the Authority. It is also proposed that an urgent Special General Meeting be called where actions, up to and including industrial action can be discussed as a precursor to undertaking a properly conducted industrial ballot of all its members.

That if any members of the Devon County Branch of UNISON are currently involved or continue to be involved in these councils after this motion is adopted by the Branch then after, due notice to them, they are to be disciplined and / or excluded from membership as may be deemed fitting by this Executive in line with the Branch and National rules.

UNISON works with the authority by using the long established Joint Consultative and Negotiating Machinery to protect and enhance the terms and conditions of both its members and indeed all employees of Devon County Council.

It is never too late!

That is the message UNISON has been giving to staff affected by managements proposals concerning Residential Homes across the county.

With 150 staff and over 90 vulnerable clients at risk due to management's proposed 'options' regarding Daw Vale, Orchard Lea, Barnhaven and Kenwyn, UNISON has been the only union on hand to talk to, support and advise every staff member who is, no matter what management say, at risk of redundancy over the coming months.

It will not stop there.This is just the start. Another 21 homes are to be reviewed over the coming months, all of which will face the same stark choices regarding their future.

It is apparent that these homes are integral to the local communities who, in many cases, are prepared to fight to keep their homes open.

UNISON's message is clear. Stand up and be counted

Your jobs. Your future. UNISON will fight for its members every step of the way, by always attending workplace meetings, always attending management meetings, always fighting your corner, always keeping you informed in a straightforward, plain speaking way. No management speak and no jargon.

If you are not a member, join now. If you already are, then contact the three named people below who are there for you every step of the way.

It is going to be a long hard road - together, we can achieve more than you may think.

Lead stewards:

• Colin Trudgeon 01392 402296
• Steve Ryles 01392 385580 07968 267966
• Convenor: Pauline Roberts 01392 682090 or 07875075662

Women's Lives

An Exeter Information Session will take place on the 16 Feb 06 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Who is it for?

If you are someone who wants to get back into education but have been put off in the past because it seemed too difficult then Women's Lives is ideal. Particularly suitable for women who have been out of education for a long time and had few educational opportunities in the past.

The Course begins 9 Mar 06. Fortnightly 6.45pm-9.15pm. To be held in Exeter City Centre, close to public transport and parking. No charge to UNISON members.

What you will gain:

• Brush up on study skills
• Develop new skills
• Reading and taking notes
• Planning and writing essays
• Discussing new ideas in small groups
• Gaining confidence
• Meeting and studying with other women
• Having a chance to think about your future plans.

Regular study groups meet every two weeks for 4 months. Very informal with opportunities to swop ideas and experiences and to help you prepare for working on your own. There are no tests or exams. As well as a study group there is a residential weekend which gives you a chance to get to know everybody else better.

This course is free to UNISON members.

Contact: Rose Gander Devon County Branch UNISON Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator. 01392 468059. Informal enquiries welcome.